Immigration Issues/I864 Support

QuestionHi, I am about to sign an I864 for a relative in China. I understand that I am responsible to supporting the immigrant for 125% above the poverty line, as well as ensuring that the immigrant does not get any mean-tested public benefits. My question is what if immigrant has medical situation and unable to pay the bill, such as cancer, pregnancy, long-term disability, and accident involvement. Am I responsible for paying those? What other concerns I should be aware of?

Thanks.

AnswerHi Rick,

The person signing the I-864 is responsible for medical bills if the hospital is part of a state or county or federal government agency. The way to protect yourself, or at least minimize any potential liability, is to ensure that your relative has medical insurance.

Expertise

I can answer your questions on employment and family-based U.S. Immigration Law. Expertise in various immigration categories includes the following: H-1B, L-1, O-1, PERM (labor certification), EB-1 to EB-3 I-140 employment-based immigrant petitions, family or fiance(e) or spousal sponsorship, visa extension or change of status, adjustment of status, naturalization (citizenship), etc.

Experience

Ajay K. Arora attended Pennsylvania State University and the University of Wales at Swansea (United Kingdom), and earned his law degree at Temple University School of Law, Philadelphia, in 1993. Mr. Arora has practiced Immigration Law since graduation and is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association since 1995.

OrganizationsAmerican Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) full member since 1995.

Education/CredentialsAjay K. Arora attended Pennsylvania State University and the University of Wales at Swansea (United Kingdom), and earned his law degree at Temple University School of Law, Philadelphia, in 1993. Mr. Arora has practiced Immigration Law since graduation and is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association since 1995.